Armstrong Commitment Fund

In 2012, Armstrong president Dr. Linda Bleicken put forth an idea to develop a source of funding for students that are making progress in their studies but still have a “gap” between what financial aid will cover and the actual costs of attendance. The Armstrong Commitment Fund was established to fill the gap and allow students to remain enrolled and to graduate.

Armstrong Commitment Fund is designed to enhance not only a student’s financial capability to attend, but also his or her financial literacy and connection to the Armstrong community. Armstrong has a long and rich history of community service. The university values the surrounding community and the partnerships made through service and volunteerism. Selected students will become an integral part of this proud history and will have the opportunity to build relationships that will last a lifetime.

Requirements

Armstrong Commitment Fund is designed for continuing undergraduate students in their sophomore, junior or senior year. Students who apply must meet the following requirements:

Have completed the FAFSA and any other requirements for financial aid.

Be a U.S. citizen or eligible non-citizen.

Have exhausted all of the need-based federal financial aid offered to him or her.

Be enrolled full time (12 or more credit hours) fall and spring term, half time (at least 6 credit hours) summer term or be completing your last semester as a graduating senior.

Awardees are determined by a committee of Financial Aid professional staff. When reviewing the applications the committee considers many factors including financial need, academic achievements, leadership experience, GPA and community service activities. Applicants are required to write a statement expressing their financial need, academic achievements and leadership or community service activities. This statement will be evaluated for its content.

Recipients of the Armstrong Commitment Fund must agree to participate in a financial literacy program and are encouraged to participate in a community service project. For more information about community service opportunities, please visit Student Life's Volunteer Opportunities. Recipients must also agree to write a donor thank you note under direction from the Office of Advancement. Recipients must also acknowledge the following:

Award amounts will vary based on financial circumstance and availability of funds.

Funds will be disbursed as awarded to a student’s account, but may only be used for direct costs including tuition and fees, housing, meal plans, and books.

Students may not use Armstrong Commitment funds to create a refund above direct costs, but other aid funds may generate a refund.

Armstrong Commitment funds may be awarded for more than one semester at a time; however, future awards are subject to review of academic standing and/or adjustments to awards based on the direct cost of attendance to Armstrong.

Renewal Applications

Prior Armstrong Commitment Fund recipents may apply for renewal. Students who apply must complete theArmstrong Commitment Fund Renewal Application, and a statement of 500 words or less that details how the Armstrong Commitment Funds received in 2013/2014 assisted the recipient with educational endeavors and leadership or community service activities and must meet the following requirements:

Have exhausted all of the need-based federal financial aid.

Be enrolled full time (12 or more credit hours) fall and spring term, half time (at least 6 credit hours) summer term or be completing your last semester as a graduating senior.

Must have and agree to maintain a 2.0 GPA.

Must agree to participate in a financial literacy program to be determined by the Office of Financial Aid and are encouraged to participate in at least ten hours of community service with one or more charitable organizations that provide service to the community.

Recipients must also agree to write a donor thank you note under direction from the Office of Advancement.